Just the two of us ((Open))

[Riley || Jake]

Riley sighed contentedly as she urged the iron grey stallion beneath her into a smooth jog. This was what she lived for. Her, her horse, and the occasional company of her brother. Speaking of which...... Riley shot a quick grin at her brother.

"So, which one was cuter?"
she teased, but her smile turned slightly wooden. She really wanted to know if he was attracted to one of the girls from school. She didn't want to hold him back from living, but she didn't want to lose him either.

******

Jake nudged Cali into a jog to bring her alongside Feisty. He looked at Riley when she voiced her question, a slight crimson tinge colouring his face. To give himself a moment to think, he looked around the trail. He had to admit, it was really rather gorgeous.

"Both of them were cute, but I don't think either of them are my type,"
he assured her. And, he was teling the truth. As of yet, no girl was his type, because he just didn't set much stock in having a girlfriend.

[.:Xeztie:.]

OOC: hope you don't mind the company! lol

IC:

Kathy breathed in slowly through her nose, taking in the fresh air. It was so nice to get outside, especially being cooped up in classrooms and indoor arenas all week long. Even her chestnut gelding, Donnie, took the trail ride like a refreshing day at the spa. Toward the end of the week, he was starting to get ditsy in the indoor arena but today's change of pace was just what the gentle giant needed. He walked calmly but Kathy could feel his muscles get tight and then relax, just from the excitement of being outside. Kathy couldn't blame him. Even though it was a bit nippy out, the snow storms of the past week had subsided and the sun was now shining on the glistening white ground.

The trail ride had been a spur of the moment kind of thing. Kathy saw the sun shining through her dorm room window and she just ran down to the barn, but after bundling up. She had done a quick grooming job and had thrown Donnie's English tack on him as quick as possible. Now they were on their way and it felt great. Donnie walked through the trail, his long limbs stretching over the ground with giant strides. Two other horses and riders had caught her eye in front of her on the trail and she smiled. Apparently she wasn't the only person taking advantage of this wonderful day. A formation of geese flew above them as they turned off onto a side trail, one that most students didn't care to take.

A sudden gust of wind and both Kathy and Donnie's hearts skipped a beat. She didn't know why she got so excited about something simple like nature, but somethings are just left better unexplainable. Kathy noticed the tensing of Donnie's muscles and she squeezed his round sides with her calf. In one graceful motion, Donnie surged into a fast canter and the two were flying with the wind. The adrenaline that ran through Kathy's body took her breath away and as they raced down the trail, a huge smile made its home on her lips. This was life, this was why human beings were here. It was amazing how such deep, philosophical questions could be answered on the back of a horse in the middle of the wilderness. They continued up a hill, Kathy reaching down to stroke Donnie's neck. They were one.

Finally, they reached their destination. A bluff overlooking the school and the trails, one that most people did not know about. Kathy slowed Donnie to a halt and the pair just stood there. Both were breathing hard, not only from the fast journey up but also the spectacular view. Kathy's eyes were wide with awe. She had been up here many times before; this had been her place of refuge for the past years. But it always took her breath away, no matter how many times she saw it. Her skinny leg swung over the back of Donnie and she lowered herself to the ground. She didn't even need to hold on to the reins as she knew Donnie would much rather stay with her up here than wander off. She rubbed her gloved hands together as she walked toward the edge of the drop off. The smile wouldn't have left her face even if she tried. The wind and the scenery gave her goose bumps, but inside Kathy was all warm and fuzzy. How could this day get any better?

[Riley || Jake]

Riley fell silent. The day was beautiful, and the landscape was breathtaking. You didn't get sights like this often up in the prairies. And the amicable silence allowed plenty of time for thought. Something she felt they both needed.

Slowing Feisty to a walk, she adjusted her battered cowboy hat over her blonde hair. She then leaned on the saddle's horn, fiddling with her mounts mane.

******

Jake slowed Cali to match Feisty's pace. He shot a look over at Riley, used to her silences. Like it's been said many times, he was the talker of the family. Riley and their dad were pretty quiet unless they felt something needed to be said.

Of course, he usually felt the sudden urge to break the silence shortly after it falls. And this was no exception.

"Race ya down the lane!"
he said, before giving Cali her head and pushing her into a fiery gallop.

******

"HEY!"
Riley yelled as Cali galloped off.

She quickly leaned forward in her saddle, letting Feisty have all the rein he wanted. Without any urging from her, the young stallion burst into a blistering pace, his hooves pounding on the beaten path.

With her blonde hair flying out beneath her hat, she whooped loudly as they swept past Jake and Cali. Her call echoed nicely off the wooded borders of the path.

******

Jake laughed as he caught the surprise on her face. He kept laughing, until she blew past him, even though he knew that the mustang stallion had always been able to outrun Cali.

He lifted his own voice to match her cheer. These were the times they lived for. To be able to just get away from it all and have some friendly sibling rivalry.